Once you've gone through a list of careers such as the one in your book or in the Occ. Outlook handbook, what do you recommend for narrowing down the list? Like you said, there could be many careers that seem interesting...I agree with your overall approach, btw...seems much more effective in theory at least than taking career tests/skill inventories and such.

Google the name of the career and the word "careers"--for example, "geologist careers." That should generate articles on the subject. If it still appeals, insert that same search term in Amazon to find a book on the subject. The best books consist of separate chapters written by different people in the career. Next step is one or more informational interviews and/or job shadows. Do that and chances are you'll make a wiser career choice than do most people.